Clynelish 2015 Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL

A limited edition natural cask strength single malt from the Clynelish distillery, located in Brora on the Sutherland coast. This is the second Clynelish release in this series, with only 2,946 bottles produced.

The whisky pours a deep, crisp yellow-gold with a fine viscosity. The nose opens with an unexpected high note of soft creamy vanilla and buttery sponge cake, soon revealing the signature Clynelish waxiness. This floats over crisp green apples, fresh moorland aromas, dry smoke, and moss. The fragrance then becomes lively and fruity, suggesting ripe red apples.

With water, the nose sweetens, bringing forward notes of cereal and malt layered with caramel and vanilla fudge, balanced by sharp red berries. But the true delight lies on the palate — warmly welcoming, friendly, and comforting. It is big, full-bodied, creamy, and intensely sweet overall, bursting with fruit, malt, and toffee — reminiscent of a liquid chocolate orange — with a subtle trace of smoke and a touch of salt on the tongue’s tip.

When watered down, the texture remains soft, satisfying, and harmonious. The sweetness becomes more delicate, accompanied by bright fruit acidity, buttery homemade cookies, salted caramel, and a gentle smoky pungency.